PREVIEW: ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 7, Episode 1 “Dragonstone”

Dany returns to the Seven Kingdoms, while Cersei prepares to hold Kings Landing. Get a sneak peek of Sunday’s Game of Thrones Season 7 premiere!

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Friends, after a year, we’ve arrived. Games of Thrones returns this Sunday and, truth the told, I’m equal parts thrilled and terrified. After Season 6, I have a lot of hope that, in the end, the characters I love will be OK. In particular, I want the Stark Family Reunion and a Dany/Jon alliance. At the same time, we know that this is a series that isn’t afraid to violently and completely demolish our hopes and dreams. What damage might Cersei, Euron, and/or the White Walkers inflict?

Let’s briefly recap where our faves (and not so faves) are at the end of the Season 6 finale (“Winds of Winter”), as well as what we’ve been able to discern from the recent Season 7 images and trailers:

Jon Snow is King in the North, and we (through Bran) learn his parentage: Lyanna Stark is Jon’s mother, saved from the Tower of Joy by Ned after she dies in childbirth. Sansa is also alive and free from Ramsay’s clutches. She’s the leading lady in Winterfell and has helped her half-brother assume the mantel of leadership. Although, Littlefinger might have sewn seeds of distrust between Sansa and Jon. As we begin Season 7, Jon seems to be in the process of putting together a force to take on the White Walkers. Meanwhile, Sansa seems to still be relying on Littlefinger for his advice (potentially against Jon). *SIDENOTE* This is me, still here shipping a Jonsa marriage.

Arya has reclaimed her identity and returns to the Riverlands where she slaughters Walder Frey and his sons. We know that Arya is alive in Season 7, and in a colder climate. Does this mean she’s making her way back to Winterfell, as she tells Jaqen H’gar before leaving Braavos? Similarly, it seems likely that Bran is heading home to Winterfell too.

Elsewhere, Dany, who is in an alliance with Yara Greyjoy, the Sandsnakes, and Olenna Tyrell, finally sails for King’s Landing to take the Iron Throne. Dany arrives in Dragonstone, and you can imagine returning to her family’s ancestral seat would be an emotional experience. With Tyrion at her side, Dany can execute her plans. This might include an alliance with Jon. This might also include Tyrion turning on the Lannisters and helping Dany take Casterly Rock.

And in King’s Landing, after Tommen commits suicide (a result of learning that High Sparrow, his followers, the Tyrells [Margaery/Loras], and many of the highborn have been killed in wildfire), Cersei has installed herself as queen. Interestingly, Jaime stays at Cersei’s side as she prepares to defend against Dany. My best speculation is that Euron (and the Iron Born loyal to him) will be part of Cersei’s defense. How will Jaime feel about that???

In this Sunday’s episode (written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, directed by Jeremy Podeswa):

Jon organizes the defense of the North. Cersei tries to even the odds. Daenerys comes home. (via HBO)

So, it shouldn’t surprise us that the episode summary is super vague. However, if you take a look at the promotional images from “Dragonstone”, we can infer a little more.

Brienne and Pod have returned to Winterfell, which means Sansa will have someone trustworthy at her side. Our favorite Lady Lyanna Mormont is also present and is probably being a strong supporter of Jon and calling out all those who are hesitant to join him.

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Meera has arrived at Castle Black, which means Bran is there too. Next stop is Winterfell?

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

The image of Dany staring at the throne at Dragonstone is giving me a lot of feels. I can already anticipate how this reminds Dany of her family and her birthright.

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

And Cersei stares at a giant map of Westeros, plotting, as she does.

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

The Game of Thrones Season 7 premiere airs Sunday, July 16 at 9/8c on HBO *EXCITE* Tell us about some of your speculations and make sure to live tweet “Dragonstone” with us, too!